Heritage's Schaefer Inks With William Jewell College

Samuel Schaefer
Samuel Schaefer

— Samuel Schaefer joined an exclusive club at Rogers Heritage on Wednesday.

He became the second Heritage athlete to continue their swimming career in college, signing a letter of intent to head to William Jewell College in a ceremony at Heritage High School.

Schaefer joined Colton Holland, who is in his freshman year at Henderson State. Holland and Jim Parker were the other swimmers to earn state titles at Heritage.

Heritage swimming coach Julie Sakalares said Schaefer's work ethic and leadership have made him a cornerstone of the program, which is only in its sixth year.

"I've seen him improve a lot, but he encourages others," Sakalares said. "He's such a good role model and example to others."

Schaefer had already joined another elite club in February, becoming Heritage's third state champion in school history when he won the 100-yard butterfly at the state championships. He also finished second in the 50-freestyle.

The senior said William Jewell, an NCAA Division II school located in Liberty, Mo., was the place for him, after his initial visit. He verbally committed on February 1.

"I felt comfortable there, it felt like home," Schaefer said.

Sakalares, who swam collegiately at Georgia, just encouraged Schaefer to work hard to have a big senior season and he did that.

"I just let him know that his senior year was pretty important in high school and club," Sakalares said. "I think his club coach wanted him to peak in high school and work in the summer to peak again in college."

Sports on 04/17/2014

Upcoming Events